MEET OUR Team Members
The LaBelle team is comprised of ultra-talented go-getters whose goal is to make your LaBelle experience phenomenal each time you visit. Interested in joining us? Click here to submit your resumé.
Founder & Winemaker
Amy LaBelle
Amy LaBelle is the founder and winemaker at LaBelle Winery. Her ultimate vision is to give back to the community through charitable giving in ways that are fulfilling, impactful and meaningful, and to grow her business exponentially so that she can contribute more. Amy lives with her husband and co-owner of LaBelle Winery, Cesar Arboleda, and their two sons, Jackson Alejandro Arboleda and Lucas Cesar Arboleda.
View Wine AwardsAwards Won by amy labelle
October, 2020 Top Women-Led Business
Business NH Magazine
October, 2019 New Hampshire 200
NH Business Review
May, 2019 Cornerstone Award
NH Businesses for Social Responsibility
October, 2013 Top 60 Women-Led Companies
Business NH Magazine
Co-Owner
Cesar Arboleda
Born in Colombia, Cesar immigrated to the United States when he was seven years old. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts and began his career in information technology managing UNIX systems for 10 years, and eventually working at Fidelity Investments where he met Amy. His favorite business notion is “quality can be found anywhere”; ultimately emphasizing that here in New Hampshire, world-class wine is a reality.
Learn More About LaBellelabelle team Awards Won
August, 2020 Top Family-Owned Business in NH
Business NH Magazine
May, 2019 One of America’s Most Honored Businesses – Top 1%
The American Registry
May, 2016 Entrepreneurs of the Year
Enterprise Bank Celebration of Excellence
Peter Szerdahelyi
Winemaker
Born in Hungary and raised in Austria, Peter’s exposure to the wine industry as a teenager ultimately influenced his career choice to become a winemaker. He honed his winemaking skills at various wineries in the United States, Australia and Europe. Peter joined LaBelle Winery in 2017 and manages the day-to-day operations of LaBelle’s extensive wine portfolio.
Justin Bernatchez
Executive Chef
Justin is a New Hampshire native and studied at Le Cordon Blue Culinary Academy, graduating at the top of his class. A leader in his field, Justin has worked in multiple restaurants and resorts, honing his skills and culinary style in both a la carte and banquet service. Since joining LaBelle in 2015, Justin’s culinary skills and leadership capabilities have catapulted him to executive chef, where he is responsible for all of LaBelle’s culinary production for the restaurant, event center and The Winemaker’s Kitchen retail product line.
Ashley Low
Pastry Chef
Native to Hudson, Ashley began working as a line cook in Nashua. After completing Alvirne’s culinary program, she attended New England Culinary Institute in VT, graduating with an Associate’s degree in Baking & Pastry. She then moved to Boston, where one of her first accomplishments was acting as lead pastry cook under Chef Gordon Hamersley. From baking at Flour to cooking at Bisq, she landed at Hotel Commonwealth & Eastern Standard as Pastry Sous Chef. 2020 brought Ashley back to her home state of NH, where she is excited to share her passion and knowledge with the amazing team at LaBelle.
Shane Peznola
Market Chef
NH born and raised, Shane studied at Southern New Hampshire University. He’s worked with many different cuisine styles, gaining knowledge from his culinary experience in Austin, Texas and Fairbanks, Alaska. Shane returned home in 2017 to teach at SNHU and started at LaBelle Winery in early 2018. After holding the position of Sous Chef at The Bistro and event center in Amherst, he now brings his unique experience and creativity to LaBelle Market. He recently married his wife, Danae Peznola, in February 2020.
Kristen Delano
Senior Operations Manager
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business, Kristen joined LaBelle in 2016. She has over a decade of experience, including her position as food and beverage manager for a successful Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel. Kristen is a champion of forward-thinking measures that keep companies at the forefront of customer relationship building through service standards that are par excellence.
Joanne Hall
Portsmouth Store Manager
Joanne grew up in Somersworth, New Hampshire, and lived in the Seacoast area for most of her life, except for a 10-year stint in Napa Valley. Joanne worked in various managerial roles at LaBelle, which she joined in 2014, but found her dream job as manager of LaBelle’s Portsmouth retail store in 2017.
Marie King
Tasting Room Manager and Wine Educator
Educated at Boston University’s Elizabeth Bishop Wine Resource Center, Marie achieved level 2 Wine Specialist Certification and Introductory Level Sommelier through the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers.Marie enjoys educating guests about wine, LaBelle’s vineyards, and helping them feel comfortable about their wine selections.
Luke Main
Golf Pro
Luke has been a professional golfer since 2003 and has traveled the world playing various tours. His accolades include Southland Conference Player of the Year, four professional wins and a top-25 finish at the Australian Masters and Australian PGA Championship. In his career, Luke has competed against Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Adam Scott and Jordan Speith.
Kimberly Cortino
Sales Director
Kim joined LaBelle Winery in 2015, shortly after getting married at the Amherst location. With her attention to detail and welcoming personality, Kim is a natural in her role. She guides couples in crafting their ultimate wedding day experience in a stress-free fashion, in addition to leading the sales team as a whole.
Olivia Opal
Wedding Sales Manager
Olivia, who joined LaBelle in 2017, grew up in Western Massachusetts is a graduate of Plymouth State University. Her many talents led her to her current role as wedding sales manager at LaBelle Winery. Olivia’s mission is to provide our wedding couples with the LaBelle experience, ensuring they have nothing less than their dream day.
Lauren Paradis-St. Croix
Social Sales Manager
Lauren is a veteran in the hospitality industry and graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, having joined LaBelle in 2017. She enjoys every aspect of the winery, and her passion lies in providing top-notch LaBelle experiences and everlasting memories to every customer. Lauren currently resides in Auburn, NH with her husband Joshua and dog Bauer, and soon-to-arrive baby girl Charlie.
Cass Luna
Membership Clubs & Sales Manager
Danielle Mojonnier
LaBelle Public Events Manager
Danielle Mojonnier joined the LaBelle team in 2020 after consulting for LaBelle Winery since its inception in 2005. She brings over 20 years of experience managing organizations in the visual and performing arts. Danielle was also the former co-owner and executive director of Grinning Moon Creative and general manager at The Highlander Inn & Conference Center. Danielle holds a Masters of Arts Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University,
Michelle Thornton
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Michelle, a New Hampshire native, has enjoyed a diverse career in various industries, from banking and finance to hospitality and marketing and a stint in the museum world. She has over 25 years of experience assisting companies of all sizes to thrive and grow. Michelle joined LaBelle in 2012, making her one of the very first team members.
James Mojonnier
Creative Director
James draws upon 18 years of experience as a creative agent with a broad set of graphic design skills including photography, illustration and video production. James has led the creation of print and digital experiences for Fortune 500 companies, acted as a design consultant since 2006 for LaBelle and officially joined the team in 2020.
Morganne Blanchard
Marketing Manager
Morganne joined the LaBelle team in 2015 after graduating from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Morganne has held multiple roles at LaBelle, from bartending weddings to event management, until ultimately settling into her current position; managing social media and content creation, graphic design work, advertising plans and more.
Sasha Desfosses
Director of Finance
Sasha has 20 years of expertise in numerous accounting departments, payroll software programs and New Hampshire state labor laws and town regulations. Having managed LaBelle’s financials and payroll since 2012, Sasha is an integral part of LaBelle Winery’s success and growth.
Joshua Boisvert
Director of Facilities & Vineyards
A gardening professional with expertise in landscape planting and masonry design, Josh joined LaBelle Winery in 2017 as a vineyardist and facilities manager. Josh’s creative and artistic abilities also encompass woodworking, art, music and Japanese martial arts. He loves the outdoors and, with his three children, enjoys activities like boating and fishing in his spare time.
Britt Miller
Golf Course Superintendent
Britt was born and raised in Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in plant and soil science specializing in golf course and turf management in 2010. Britt gained experience as a golf superintendent at the Woodway Country Club in Connecticut and the Manchester Country Club in New Hampshire. He joined LaBelle in 2021.
Charlie Pense
Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Charlie was born and raised in St. Helens, Oregon, and began working on golf courses at 18 years old. He studied golf course management in Arizona and then moved East to work at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford, New Hampshire. Charlie helped bring the NEPGA Championship tour to the area in 2019 and joined LaBelle in 2021.
Danielle Sullivan
Projects & Administration Manager
Danielle, a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, has been with LaBelle since 2015. She’s brought a wealth of expertise from her prior careers with Marriott and Sheraton hotels and catering companies throughout the northeast. When she’s not at LaBelle, she’s enjoying time with her husband and two-year old son Finnegan.
Shelley Saunders
Wholesale Account Manager
Shelley joined LaBelle in 2018 and has been in the wine industry for over 20 years. A University of New Hampshire graduate, she worked as a regional sales manager on the supplier side. She has represented small and large brands worldwide, including Barefoot Wines and Fosters Wine Estates.
Maria Kilar
Human Resources Director
Maria graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a dual bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and human resources. Maria has been in human resources for 20 years in various industries, including hospitality, manufacturing and retail. She achieved the designation of certified professional with The Society for Human Resource Management and joined LaBelle in 2016.
